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Reviewed by:
  • Oliver’s Lollipop by Allison Wortche
  • Natalie Berglind
Wortche, Allison Oliver’s Lollipop; illus. by Andrés Landazábal. Philomel, 2021 [32p]
Trade ed. ISBN 9780593203002 $17.99
E-book ed. ISBN 9780593203026 $10.99
Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs

Oliver’s family takes him to the zoo for his birthday, and he is immediately enraptured by a stand outside serving huge, colorful lollipops, one of which his parents buy for him with the promise he can eat it after dinner. While his younger brother Louis and his parents enjoy carousel rides, lions, pandas, and flamingos, Oliver fantasizes about what his lollipop will taste like when he gets home—until it’s stolen by a giraffe. The heartbroken Oliver is led around the zoo by his younger brother, who has been enthusiastic about the animals the whole time, and finds out that he was missing out on cool sights and a lot of fun while being distracted by the sweet treat—one that he and Louis get to replace as the family exits the zoo. Landazábal’s gouache and watercolor art is striking, depicting both the sights at the zoo and the lollipop in dazzlingly vibrant hues that may have youngsters clamoring to go to the zoo themselves. Oliver’s family is sad with him when he loses his treat and his little brother actively works to cheer him up, leading to this readaloud’s heartwarming message: it’s easy to be distracted by the anticipation of something that doesn’t come to fruition, and there’s great healing in a hug and some brotherly love.

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